At the same moment, in the grand and prestigious Great Spirit Arena, a luxurious VIP lounge was occupied by Yu Tianheng, who was carefully studying his upcoming opponents.
His expression was no longer as frivolous as before; instead, it carried a newfound determination. It was evident that his previous defeat at the hands of Xiao Tianyang had matured him significantly.
"The Shrek team is truly formidable..." Yu Tianheng murmured, deep in thought. "Whether it's their soul ring configuration or their combat skills, they are quite exceptional."
"Can their soul ring configuration surpass that of Edward?" Osler's usually confident face now showed rare concern. "And as for combat skills, are we truly inferior to them?"
"I've said before—every battle must be taken seriously. We cannot afford to underestimate any opponent!" Yu Tianheng's voice was stern. "Have you already forgotten what happened the last time we underestimated someone?"
Osler shuddered at the memory of being defeated in a single move. He turned his head away in silence, unwilling to dwell on the painful experience.
While none of them claimed to be invincible, they still carried the pride and confidence that came with youth. Yet, against Xiao Tianyang, they had been utterly crushed. The trauma of such a defeat was something only they could truly understand.
"There's something else you should be aware of," Yu Tianheng continued. "This Shrek team is most likely from Shrek Academy—our teacher, Qin Ming, graduated from there."
His gaze swept across his teammates. "Do you know what that means?"
"It means that our opponents are not only strong in raw power but may also match or even surpass us in tactical prowess. I refuse to let our team suffer another defeat in Suotuo City's Great Spirit Arena! Do you all understand?"
This time, everyone nodded in agreement, not daring to argue.
At that moment, Qin Ming entered the room and added, "There's another crucial point you're overlooking. Aside from these seven, Shrek Academy has two new students this year."
Dugu Yan was taken aback. "Aren't they just substitutes?"
"No," Qin Ming said solemnly. "According to my sources, those two are just as strong as the top three members of the Shrek team."
Yu Tianheng frowned. "Teacher Qin, do we have any information on them?"
"Here's what I could gather, though it's incomplete," Qin Ming said, handing over the files. He pointed to one name in particular. "Pay special attention to this one—Xiao Tianyang."
"Why?" Yu Tianheng asked.
"Because in addition to being a student of Shrek Academy, he is also the disciple of a Super Douluo."
Everyone in the room, including Yu Tianheng, sucked in a sharp breath.
Yu Tianheng, more than anyone, understood what a Super Douluo represented. He never expected Xiao Tianyang to have such an astonishing background.
Shaking off his initial shock, he quickly scanned Xiao Tianyang's information.
"Martial soul—unknown flame. Rank 36 Soul Master. Soul ring configuration... purple, black, black?!"
"What kind of absurd configuration is this?" Osler grabbed the file, his face filled with disbelief. He came from a strong background himself, but he had never seen such a soul ring combination before—it was beyond his understanding.
"Not only that," Qin Ming continued gravely, "the only soul skill he has publicly used is his first soul skill, which is an all-encompassing ability that integrates healing, amplification, and attack."
"Additionally, he excels in physical combat and close-quarters fighting. Even a level forty Soul Elder might not be his match in melee combat."
"The reason the Shrek team has become so formidable in such a short time is largely thanks to him."
Qin Ming's expression grew heavier as he spoke. On one hand, he was proud to see such a talented junior emerge from Shrek Academy. On the other, he was deeply concerned for his own students.
Against such a monster, did they even stand a chance?
Yu Tianheng took a deep breath, his gaze steady. "If that's the case, we have no choice but to give it everything we've got."
…
In the grand fighting arena, the two teams ascended the stage.
Unlike other venues, there were hardly any commoners in the audience. The seats were filled with nobles and dignitaries, their expressions haughty. The arena's opulence alone made it clear—this was no ordinary battlefield.
Those who stood on this stage had either exceptional talent or had already earned a name for themselves.
After all, at its core, this tournament was nothing more than entertainment for the aristocracy.
With a sharp mechanical click, a pillar slowly rose in the center of the stage. Atop it stood a stunning young woman.
"Good evening, everyone! I'm your host for tonight—Dou dou!" she greeted cheerfully before turning her attention to the teams. "On my left, we have the Emperor Team, bearers of the Silver Spirit Badge, each a remarkable genius in their own right!"
She then turned to the opposite side. "And on my right, we have the rising stars—the Shrek Team! They have been making waves recently, especially..."
Her gaze landed on Xiao Tianyang. "And finally, the undefeated Xiao Tianyang!"
As Xiao Tianyang raised his hand in greeting, Doudou felt her heart skip a beat. Those striking gray eyes seemed to steal her breath away.
'He's so handsome... If only I could be with him...'
Just as she was lost in her fantasies, an annoyed voice snapped her back to reality.
"Hey! Are you going to start the match or keep daydreaming?" Ning Rongrong called out, clearly displeased.
Doudou blushed. "That concludes the introductions! Both teams now have one minute to prepare."
With that, she swiftly stepped back as the central pillar descended.
"Hmph, I didn't expect you to have that kind of effect on people," Ning Rongrong huffed.
Xiao Tianyang chuckled. "She seemed pure-hearted."
"What about me?" Ning Rongrong pouted.
"Hehehe."
"Why are you laughing?!"
"Nothing. I just thought of a joke."
Xiao Tianyang shook his head, then pointed at the opposing team. "Look—one minute is almost up. If we lose this match, training will be doubled."
Ning Rongrong shivered at the thought. Training was already grueling; if it was doubled...
She quickly rejoined her teammates and summoned her martial soul, unwilling to even imagine such torture.
On the opposite side, Yu Tianheng narrowed his eyes at Xiao Tianyang. "It doesn't seem like he plans to participate directly."
"He's so handsome!" came an unexpected reply.
Yu Tianheng turned, only to see that it was Dugu Yan who had spoken. His expression darkened.
But before he could react, she quickly added, "But you're good-looking too! Too handsome, though, and you'll attract too much attention."
Satisfied with her attempt to placate him, Yu Tianheng took a deep breath. "We may have an advantage, but we must not be careless. Understood?"
"Understood!" his team responded in unison as they unleashed their martial spirits.
Both teams' soul ring configurations were similar—yellow and purple. But one person stood out.
It was none other than Xiao Tianyang.
He had not stepped forward. Instead, he sat cross-legged on the ground, completely composed...
…
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